negative attitude

You can use this phrase to describe a person, a mindset, or even a team spirit. It usually follows verbs like have, show, or display. You might say, "Stop having such a negative attitude!" when a friend complains about a fun party. It works as a noun phrase. You can also pair it with adjectives like persistently or unnecessarily to add more flavor.

Use it when someone is being a "Debbie Downer" at work or home. It is perfect for performance reviews if a colleague is bringing the team down. You can use it when talking to your kids about sportsmanship. It is also great for self-reflection. Sometimes we realize our own negative attitude is the only thing stopping us from enjoying a Saturday morning.

Do not use this for someone experiencing genuine grief or clinical depression. That is much deeper than an "attitude." Also, avoid using it if someone is just being realistic about a dangerous situation. If a boat is actually sinking, saying "you have a negative attitude" makes you the annoying one. Use it for outlooks, not for facts.

In many English-speaking cultures, especially in the US, there is a huge emphasis on "toxic positivity." This means people are often told to avoid a negative attitude at all costs. In corporate culture, having a "can-do" spirit is the opposite of this phrase. Being labeled as having a negative attitude can sometimes be a serious hurdle for career growth in Western offices.

You might hear people say bad attitude, which is a bit more aggressive. Pessimistic outlook is a more formal, academic version. If someone is being very informal, they might call the person a sourpuss or a grouch. In the UK, you might hear someone described as being miserable or moaning, which captures the same energy of a negative attitude.